MANAGER, EMPLOYEE & LABOR RELATIONS

Position Summary Establishes and maintains a satisfactory labor-management relationship and administers labor and employee relations. Develops policies, procedures and programs. Represents management in labor & employee relations, including the negotiation, interpretation, and administration of collective bargaining agreements, administration of grievance procedures, corrective action/discipline, NLRB and EEO charges. Responsibilities 1) Direct the Company's strategy in Labor/Management Relations, including serving as spokesperson for contract negotiations with unions. Consult with department heads and executive management to formulate bargaining objectives; serve as a Company spokesperson for the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements and amendments. 2) Supervise the administration of collective bargaining agreements. Provide guidance to division management as to the interpretation, implementation, and day-to-day administration of collective bargaining agreements. Work with region management and Corporate Vice Presidents to identify issues related to Labor/ Management relations and negotiations, as well as recommended resolution. 3) Direct investigation, negotiation and resolution of labor grievances and other union-related complaints filed internally with the Company and externally with state and federal enforcement agencies.  4) Provide guidance and counsel directly and through subordinates, to all levels of management with respect to discipline and discharge as well as employee development, for all employees.  5) Counsel management on discipline to ensure consistent and non-discriminatory application of company work rules and policies. 6) Provide direction to regional and local human resource representatives in implementation of Employee Relations and Labor Relations policies and procedures. 7) Direct the investigation, regulation and resolution of government agency complaints filed by State and Federal agencies, related to human resources and/ or employee relations. 8) Serves as a single point of contact for both management and employees on matters relating to the interpretation, application, and administration of labor relations and employee discipline policies.  9) Support the Company's legal representative in disputes involving employment matters and labor relations to include labor arbitration, National Relations Board, agency hearings and state and federal court cases. 10) Assure compliance with federal and state law by maintaining current knowledge of applicable employment and labor laws, rulings, regulations and recommend appropriate changes in Company policies and practices. 11) Provide requested support related to Company acquisitions in the areas of labor contracts, labor negotiations, employee relations, and other areas as requested.  Qualification 1) Bachelor's degree in business or administrative law, human resource and labor relations or related field or equivalent in training and experience.  2) Minimum seven years experience in labor relations, employment and EEO law, including experience in processing grievances and negotiating labor contracts.  3) Demonstrated supervisory, managerial experience in at least one area listed above. 4) Experience and ability to communicate at all levels of the organization. 5) May require extensive travel. Preferred Qualification 1) Advanced degree in law or business administration. "All internal applicants must apply on line through the CenturyTel intranet and submit an internal application to the Human Resources Department located in Vancouver, WA."  In order to be considered for the position all required documents must be received by the designated HR office. It is the responsibility of the respondent to prove his/her qualifications for the position for which they are responding. CenturyTel requires pre-employment drug screening. CenturyTel IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.